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Rabbi Yaakov Yosef
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg
Rabbi Dov Lior
Photo: Noam Moscowitz

Police using kid gloves in Rabbi Yosef inquiry

Rabbi Dov Lior arrest, riots that followed lead police to take different approach in arrest of Rabbi Yosef who is also suspected of incitement

After the storm that broke out when Rabbi Dov Lior was detained for questioning, police are using kid gloves in their handling of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef who has so far evaded a police request that he present himself for questioning with regards to the "Kings Torah" affair.

 

Sources within the police said Thursday that the son of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef had not been arrested in the last 48 hours because he was surrounded by dozens of supporters and media crews and the police "didn't wish to embarrass him".

 

 

"The issue is potentially explosive," the sources said, explaining why police decided to wait instead of detaining Rabbi Yosef, a former Knesset Member. "On the one hand we have no wish to hurt or insult the rabbi, but on the other hand, he is needed for questioning."

 

Yet they estimate that "the police will complete its mission and Rabbi Yosef will be brought in for questioning soon. There is still a question surrounding the timing and the operational preparation."

 

'Police not above law'

Police called Rabbi Yosef three days ago trying to coordinate the investigation with him – but he did not present himself and yet, was not arrested. Sources close to the rabbi said he was offered the opportunity to be interrogated in his home by plain clothes police officers.

 

Meanwhile, Rabbi Yosef denies that he received a request from the police to come in for questioning. "I did not receive any calls from the police, they didn't call. If they do I'll let you know," he said with a smile.

 

Rabbi Yosef said that he would decide whether to present himself at the police station for questioning after he receives a request. "In the meantime, for a whole year I've been hearing that they want to. I have yet to have the privilege of hearing from them on the phone. "There is justice and there is a judge."

 

He also expressed criticism of the police saying: "The police are not above the law. We are a democratic State and in a democratic State the police also have their limitations and they understand their limitations."

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 06.30.11, 17:52
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